My first spill.

So today started off great was a bit snowy and a little windy, but I had it under control made it to work duck walked it a bit over the ice and worked my 6:30 - 2:30 shift. Came home took a nap and went off the store to get an energy drink. Once again made it out of the parking lot fine duck walked a bit and made it to the store.

Headed home feeling confident and thats when it happened. Pulled into the parking lot in my complex and hit a patch of ice. Tail end started getting a bit wobbly at this point I should of probably put my legs out to try and stabilize, but I didn't for whatever reason I rolled slightly on the throttle and spilled it at 5 - 10 mph. Physics quickly teaching me the error of my ways with a nice firm plant on my ass and a scuff on my ankle.

Scooter came out fine a tiny minor scuff where the floor board and fairing come together.

I learned a lot from this and was quickly humbled, but as sad as it sounds for whatever reason I was more worried about what would happen to the scooter as it hit the ground. I should of been more worried about busted bones and open wounds. Not scratched paint and broken signals.

We don't get much ice where I ride (South Africa), so I had to make do with diesel fuel spilled on the inside of a curve - I was on my way to take my riders' test at the time! Good free lesson - most damage was to my ego.

Inline skater,if you like the THRILL of riding theres nothing more exciting than 2 wheels on snow and ice.especially hitting a patch of ice and trying to keep the bike up.i rode a couple winters on a 97 honda valkyrie.a couple memorable experiences was starting the bike in january at -2 Fahrenheit.coming over a rise and hitting a patch of ice sliding but not going down.sold the bike 3 years ago.ive done a little inline skating also.i dont ride on snow and ice nowadays.too dangerous.good luck with youre winter riding adventures.

This is PERFECT !!! You learned a valuable lesson and it did not cost you anything Consider yourself very lucky and never forget.

I loved playing in the snow on a motorcycle as a teenager, I would take out my little brothers Honda 50, and drift it around corners, and just have so much fun sliding everywhere. The bike was so light and small, I would just put out my feet the many times it wanted to go down, feet sliding along with it.

Given lots of expeience in the slippery stuff, there is no way I would ride any motorcycle with ice or snow around. You will go down, and you will get hurt !!! ( Unless its a microbike in the snow ).

This is PERFECT !!! You learned a valuable lesson and it did not cost you anything Consider yourself very lucky and never forget.

I loved playing in the snow on a motorcycle as a teenager, I would take out my little brothers Honda 50, and drift it around corners, and just have so much fun sliding everywhere. The bike was so light and small, I would just put out my feet the many times it wanted to go down, feet sliding along with it.

Given lots of expeience in the slippery stuff, there is no way I would ride any motorcycle with ice or snow around. You will go down, and you will get hurt !!! ( Unless its a microbike in the snow ).

Mike

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Unfortunately it being my only transportation it happened a second time with the damage being a little less unforgiving.

Called my girlfriends aunt asking if I could get a ride or use her car for work since it was snowing and I feared losing my ass on the roads. With a shaky "I dunno I don't really drive in the winter." I essentially told her forget it and I would try and manage.

10pm rolls around and it's time to go to work. It's only 2 miles away and maybe just maybe they salted by now.

I start her up and make my trip out of the parking lot. Look at the roads with about a centimeter of snow and some dry patches. Trying to reassure myself that I can handle this. I head out on my way. I come up to an intersection and see that the road ahead is completely covered in snow. Screw that I told myself and turned back around hoping that I could get her to change her mind on riding me to work.

500ft from home I hit a patch and woosh i'm on my ass and my bike is skidding about 15 ft away on the snow. In near tears I get back on start going get to 5mph and drop her again. Pissed off I said fuck it and walked the bike home knocked on the door and told her I just crashed and definitely needed a ride. After a small lecture about not having a real vehicle she gives me the keys and urges me to be careful.

I busted up my hip and my arm. Nothing serious just bruising and swelling.

Damage to the bike this time around resulted in a total of 3 scrapes and a slightly bent signal. A small plastic piece under the fold out passenger pegs also broke off.

Dealer ordered me some paint and i'm going to patch up the scrapes come Spring. No mechanical damage from what I can tell which is good. Unfortunately it's obvious now that the bike has been dropped. Which isn't going to do me any favors come time to trade it in or sell it.

I am fortunate though that I am still okay. It's my first bike and I guess year rounders always run the risk of hurting themselves come the winter season.

I just know now that i'll either car pool with a co-worker when it snows or walk.

I should of learned this lesson the first time around when I only got a shot across the bow.

On the bright side despite all this I did make it to work only 3 minutes late. ;P

I would just write this off as a learning experience, nothing more. Yes the damage sucks, but because we are not talking about needing so much that it can't be ridden and that's a good thing.

And from one Michigan rider to another, unless you're on a snowmobile NEVER ride on the snow (bicycles included) unless your tires are studded... In the mean time enjoy your walks to work and think about how much more money your saving on gas AND the added bonus of excercise. You would think that your in-laws (to be?) would marvel in your desire to save money.

be careful out there bro, i just had a buddy low side after hitting a patch of black ice going around a turn. Very similar to you he was upset about the condition of his bike, but I'm glad you both are safe.

I spent the months of August - November touring Alaska on my Honda XR650L. Around mid October I switched to studded knobbies and didn't have any issues ridding on snow and ice on the road. I did reduce the tire pressure to around 12psi though. I don't know if studs are legal in Michigan but I would look into it. I used the same studs they use in car tires.

Glad you're ok. Got caught in snow riding from work last Friday. 20 mile ride. Pucker factor was high and I knew I'd have trouble on the secondary roads after the interstate. Sliding, but holding on until I got to the entrance to my neighborhood. Stopped and after the traffic cleared, gave a little throttle and the bike, GL500 Interstate,slid out from under me. No damage and not hurt until I tried picking up the bike. No footing and a sliding bike made it difficult but I finally got it up and walked it into the 'hood. Got back on and rode it home. Sore as hell Saturday from the lifting. I'll never ride in snow again. I ride every day to work rain or shine, hot or cold but, if there is any chance of snow at all, I'll drive in from now on. My wife just shakes her head in dismay and say something about "can't fix stupid".